In a game where both teams fought early foul trouble, North Florida (9-15 Overall, 2-4 ASUN) struggled against the Stetson Hatters’ (13-9 Overall, 4-2 ASUN) defense for a 68-59 defeat.

In the opening quarter, North Florida got off to a fast start. The Ospreys jumped out with a 6-2 start before both teams traded buckets. The Hatters dominated in the paint scoring 10 points and closing out the first quarter at a 15-15 tie.

In the second quarter, both teams continued to trade baskets until Stetson generated a 13-7 run by attacking the paint to build a six point lead into the half, 34- 28. The Ospreys also suffered from a poor field goal percentage shooting just 32 percent while Stetson shot 45 percent from the field.

Coming out of the half, North Florida fought to keep the game close, but struggled to cut down the lead. The Hatters zone defense stifled the Ospreys offense and led to turnovers for Stetson.

The Hatters came up with seven turnovers in the third. Stetson continued to draw fouls and earn trips to the free throw line to keep the Ospreys at bay. The third period ended with the Hatters holding on to a nine point lead, 50-41.

In the final quarter, the Ospreys couldn’t create stops as the Hatters continued to attack the paint. Late points from North Florida were answered by Stetson.

Poor shooting continued to hamper the Ospreys offense shooting just 25 percent from the second half. The Hatters continued to dominate the Ospreys while earning trips to the free throw to ice the game, 68-59.

Stetson forward Brittney Chambers posted a double-double performance scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds while leading one other Hatter in double figures.Keonna Farmer posted a double-double performance of her own scoring 19 points with 12 rebounds while leading one other Osprey in double figures.

The Ospreys will come home to face Florida Gulf Coast at the UNF Arena on Feb.1.

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